Noel Pearson Memorial to launch busy new season

Russell Pearson with one of the base stock speedway cars.Picture: Laurie Benson

Albany Speedway Club will start their new season this Saturday night, featuring the prestigious Noel Pearson Memorial, with a host of major events planned including World Series Sprintcars.

Seven meetings are scheduled for Attwell Park this season, with the highlight again being the club hosting a round of World Series Sprintcars on Friday, February 16.

The WA Super Sedan Title will be held over two nights on January 5 and 6, while the annual Easter fixture consisting of the Bill Gibbings Memorial for super sedans, along with the Street Stock Rumble, will be contested on March 31 and April 1.

Other highlights include the return of the USA Late Model Invasion Tour on January 20. Rich feature races the South Coast Classic for modified sedans and the Amazing Albany Production 5000 will be run on March 10.

The club is also preparing to launch a new division called base stock after building several cheap, basic race cars similar to a street stock for people wanting an easy way to get into the sport.

A couple of the base stock cars — some built by club life member Russell Pearson — will be in action at the opening meeting as the club looks to develop the category.

The Noel Pearson Memorial on opening night is awarded to the highest point-scoring ASC member across all divisions.

Last season’s winner Hayden Mortimer will defend his crown, while multiple former winner Sam Jewell will be tough to beat in the formula 125 class.

Street stocks, production sedans, junior sedans, formula 125s and super sedans will be on the program, with racing starting at 6pm. Gates open at 3.30pm with the popular burnouts display at 4.30pm.